Johnny Manziel has gone from a relatively unknown college football player to a celebrity athlete in a matter of months. His legend grew after he helped Texas A&M beat national champion Alabama at Tuscaloosa in November, and his celebrity status was cemented after he won the Heisman Trophy in December. With the increased fame has come increased scrutiny. Manziel has made headlines for going clubbing after winning his Heisman, sitting courtside at a Mavericks-Heat NBA game, and flashing cash inside an Oklahoma casino. Though Manziel may not have broken any rules in those instances, he may have generated unwanted attention that Texas A&M would like him to avoid.
Texas A&M’s athletic director met with Manziel and his parents to talk about how to best handle his new fame.
“I told them he’s no longer a freshman, and he’s no longer a sophomore, junior or senior. He is a ‘Heisman,'” athletic director Eric Hyman told the San Antonio Express-News on Sunday.
Hyman stressed how life-changing it is to be a Heisman Trophy winner.
“It’s (about) education, and we’ve got to help the family and Johnny with the transition into being a Heisman award winner,” Hyman said. “There are things you have to learn, and we have to help him with that.”
“That’s a special fraternity, but you also have to understand (Manziel) is 20 years old,” Hyman said. “It’s a tremendous responsibility — but it is a responsibility.”
Does this mean all the fun is gone now that Manziel’s had a meeting inside the principal’s office? Let’s hope not. He has been one of the most entertaining athletes over the past few months. Unfortunately, this sounds a heck of a lot like when the Patriots told Rob Gronkowksi that the “summer of Gronk” was over.
Helmet smack to Game On!
